Today is a sad day among those who have been affected by the work of Tim Hetherington, who most recently directed, Restrepo. His work, specifically in Restrepo, offered the world a new perspective on war and those who are caught in the middle of it. Tim was certainly not the first war/humanitarian photographer, but his work was unique in that it forced you to look at the intimate details, a view from the inside. Tim was able to take an issue that has global implications, such as the war in Afghanistan, and present it to the world on an individual scale. This is what set him apart from the hundreds of other combat correspondents throughout the world, his ability to personalize the experiences of men and women caught in a war thousands of miles away from the main streets of the Western world. We have lost an important visionary today, a true voice of the people that have suffered the horrors of the killing fields. We can take solace in the fact that Tim was doing what he loved and though it seems a horrible way to die, I imagine Tim would have it no other way. To die doing what he was created to do, to bring us out of the comfort of our seemingly petty lives and force us to empathize with those who struggle daily for the freedoms we take for granted.

I first met Tim just a few short months ago, at a Q&A session at the school of Journalism at WVU. He took the time to answer my many questions regarding his work and his passion, which I shared with him. In addition, he provided me with some valuable insight and direction for our project, The Graffiti of War. After that he kept in touch via email, keeping tabs on the project’s success and just a few weeks ago, I spoke to him regarding his trip to Africa. As always, he was generous with his time and offered me some advice and promised to touch base with me upon his return from North Africa. That would be the last time I had the pleasure of his guidance.Going forward, those of us working on this project, should honor his memory by working that much harder to showcase the realities of conflict and the human stories that transpire within these global struggles for freedom and democracy. It is because of Tim’s work, that we know the names of those who fought courageously in the Korengal Valley; it is because of his vision that we see the human side and personal experiences of those who live the realities of war. We can honor his memory and ultimate sacrifice by continuing his art, his passion and bring the reality of conflict home to those who can make a difference in the lives of those living it and dying for it.

Instead of a moment of silence, I'm sure Tim would prefer a lifetime of service and dedication in the pursuit of understanding and empathy. In your honor, Tim Hetherington, may your memory live on through the lives of those you have touch through the sacrifice of your life.

All men die but only few actually lived....Thank you for your legacy, for your impeccable inspiration...it truly is equally inspiringly amazing to learn this kind of heroism and sacrifices and yet tremendously heartbreaking and devastating to wake up to a reality at the end of the day, that lives of great men had come to an end.......Thank you for nourishing the tree of freedom and for your selfless efforts of enlightening and awakening us with your sacrifices and great courage.... Welcome home, you’re finally Home Sir...P.S. Ioo seconds of prayers for your eternal peace and comfort as well as fortitude for your family...Dominus vo bis cum,pax!

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melody snow

4/22/2011 08:14:47 am

God Bless you & your family!

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Diana W

4/23/2011 01:10:02 pm

This makes me so sad. I really loved his film Restrepo; I have encouraged others to watch that and Combat Diaries: The Marines of Lima Company. My fiance was at Restrepo during the filming including the "cow incident" and that nasty battle. I don't think he knows about Tim's passing yet as he is out of town camping with a close friend, and I'm not sure how to break it to him or if I should since he's currently going through a struggle of flashbacks.

God speed, Tim. You gave a voice and awareness to what our military goes through over there. May you Rest In Peace. Prayers to your loved ones.

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Jaeson "Doc" Parsons

Founder and CEO of The Graffiti of War Project, Doc is a decorated combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was a combat medic with the 54th Engineer Battalion. He is currently the a journalist for Force 12 Media and is featured weekly on SOFREP.com. Docas been featured in numerous media outlets such as Wired.com, Maxim.com and BusinessInsider.com. For more information about Jaeson "Doc" Parsons click HERE or send him an EMAIL.